Gate.io invests $10 million in TON to boost Telegram projects

Gate.io has made a $10 million strategic investment in The Open Network (TON) blockchain, aimed at strengthening collaboration with the TON Foundation and supporting the expansion of Telegram-based projects. The exchange will play a key role in TON’s governance and development, including the introduction of a CeFi-driven Telegram mini-app and Gate Wallet within the messaging platform.

The initiative also sees Gate Group joining the TON Society’s Hackers League hackathon, one of the largest events of its kind, with a $2 million prize pool. The hackathon, spanning 19 cities, aims to drive innovation and global participation in TON-based projects.

With its fast, low-cost blockchain technology and extensive Telegram user base, TON offers a promising platform for Web3 applications and startups, positioning itself for widespread adoption and network growth..

AI job displacement: Malaysia’s strategy unveiled

The rise of AI and digitalisation could displace up to 600,000 workers in Malaysia over the next five years, according to the Ministry of Human Resources. A report by Talentcorp, set for release in November, highlights how ten key industries will be most affected, including information technology, food manufacturing, and aerospace.

However, the government assures that many of these displaced workers will transition into new roles, as around 60 new types of jobs are expected to emerge. Workers in high-risk sectors will receive targeted support to upskill or reskill, making it easier for them to adapt to the changing job market. The report’s purpose is to prevent negative reactions and help industries prepare.

The report is part of a broader initiative to keep the workforce informed about the changing landscape. The government is launching a dedicated website to provide detailed information on the jobs most affected by AI, digitalisation, and green technology, as well as opportunities for training.

Steven Sim, the Human Resources Minister, has expressed optimism about the future, urging workers and industries to stay positive and proactive. The government’s ongoing studies will continue to assess other sectors in the coming years, ensuring workforce in Malaysia remains resilient in the face of technological change.

Stripe strengthens ties with Nvidia to expand AI reach

Stripe has announced a new collaboration with Nvidia to enhance its AI offerings and improve fraud detection. The deeper partnership will see Stripe integrating Nvidia’s advanced AI technology, enabling global developers and enterprises to access GPUs and AI software through Stripe’s payment platform.

This collaboration highlights Stripe’s focus on leveraging Nvidia’s capabilities to support AI products. Stripe has introduced new features, including usage-based billing and enhanced global payment methods, to accommodate AI products that are international from the start.

Patrick Collison, Stripe’s co-founder, praised Nvidia’s role in advancing AI technology, while Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, recognised Stripe’s leadership in enabling businesses to use AI to fuel growth. The partnership comes as Stripe continues to integrate AI into services like Stripe Radar, which recently received AI-driven upgrades to boost fraud prevention.

Stripe, valued at $70bn as of July, has consistently relied on Nvidia’s computing platform to train its machine learning models. This expanded partnership is expected to drive further growth and innovation in AI technology.

FBI creates token to expose crypto fraud ring

The FBI has successfully orchestrated a crypto sting operation using a token it created to investigate market manipulation. The NexFundAI Token, launched on the Ethereum blockchain, was part of the operation that led to the indictment of 18 individuals and entities for their involvement in fraudulent activities.

The investigation uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving pump-and-dump operations and wash trading, which artificially inflated token prices. Over $25 million worth of cryptocurrency was seized, and several trading bots responsible for manipulating markets across 60 different tokens were shut down.

This operation, known as “Operation Token Mirrors,” is seen as a warning to crypto investors about the risks of market manipulation. Authorities, including the FBI and SEC, are continuing to investigate those involved in fraudulent crypto schemes.

Global AI adoption boosted by Infosys and Microsoft

Infosys and Microsoft are expanding their collaboration to drive the global adoption of generative AI and Microsoft Azure. The partnership is set to enhance customer experiences and increase the value of their technology investments across various industries such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.

Infosys, an early adopter of GitHub Copilot, currently has over 18,000 developers who have generated more than seven million lines of code through the tool. The company has also launched a GitHub Centre of Excellence to support AI and Cloud solutions like Infosys Topaz, Cobalt, and Aster, aimed at transforming business operations globally.

Customers will have access to a variety of solutions through Azure Marketplace, allowing them to benefit from their Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC). Microsoft’s Chief Partner Officer, Nicole Dezen, highlighted the potential of this collaboration to drive AI innovation and improve employee and customer experiences.

The growth of AI developer productivity could potentially add over $1.5 trillion to the global GDP by 2030, with GitHub Copilot playing a key role in boosting efficiency. More than one million developers and 20,000 organisations have adopted GitHub Copilot to date.

BEREC to set 2025 goals for connectivity, sustainability, and 5G development

The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has outlined its strategic priorities for 2025, focusing on promoting full connectivity, Very High-Capacity Networks, and environmentally sustainable digital infrastructure. Specifically, these goals aim to close the digital divide, enhance network security, and advance green infrastructure to support Europe’s digital future.

BEREC has launched a public consultation to inform its planning, inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on its draft Work Programme 2025 by 4 November. Moreover, BEREC seeks input on its draft report on the evolution of private and public 5G networks by 29 November. It aims to establish common definitions and classifications for 5G private networks, thus facilitating a shared understanding across European regulatory bodies.

In addition to these initiatives, BEREC’s draft programme aligns with the European Commission’s vision, as outlined in the white paper ‘How to Master Europe’s Digital Infrastructure Needs?’, serving as a preparatory step for the upcoming Digital Networks Act. This alignment ensures that BEREC’s work supports broader EU digital policy objectives.

Furthermore, BEREC has announced new leadership, with Marko Mišmaš from Slovenia’s AKOS elected as Chair for 2026, supported by Vice-chairs Alejandra de Iturriaga Gandini from Spain and Daniela Brönstrup from Germany. Additionally, Liliia Malon from Ukraine’s NCEC will join the Mini-Board as a non-voting member, helping guide BEREC’s strategic planning. Through these coordinated efforts and leadership updates, BEREC remains committed to building a digitally inclusive, secure, and sustainable European digital ecosystem.

Crypto.com files lawsuit against SEC for exceeding authority

Crypto.com has filed a lawsuit against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), accusing the agency of overreaching its legal authority by classifying most crypto transactions as securities. The lawsuit follows a Wells Notice issued by the SEC in August, signalling potential enforcement action. Crypto.com argues that the SEC’s inconsistent regulatory approach, exempting Bitcoin and Ether, undermines the crypto sector’s future in the US.

In its legal filing, Crypto.com claims the SEC bypassed essential procedural steps, including the notice and comment rulemaking process. The exchange aims to halt what it views as the agency’s ‘unlawful’ crackdown on cryptocurrency. Alongside the lawsuit, Crypto.com has petitioned the SEC and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for clearer regulation of cryptocurrency derivatives.

Several crypto firms, including blockchain technology company Consensys, have also sued the SEC this year after receiving Wells Notices.

Google faces potential breakup as DOJ targets search monopoly

The US Department of Justice has proposed remedies to dismantle Google‘s dominance in the search market, which analysts warn could undermine the company’s primary profit source and hinder its advancements in AI. The DOJ may seek to compel Google to divest parts of its business, including the Chrome browser and Android operating system, while also considering measures such as barring the collection of sensitive user data, requiring transparency in search results, and allowing websites to opt out of their content being used for AI training.

The proposed changes have already affected Alphabet’s stock, which fell by 1.5% after the announcement. Analysts indicate that if these remedies are put into action, they could diminish Google’s revenue while providing more opportunities for competitors like DuckDuckGo and Microsoft Bing, as well as AI companies such as Meta and Amazon. With Google’s share of the US search ad market expected to fall below 50% for the first time in over a decade by 2025, these remedies are viewed as essential for creating a more competitive landscape.

Despite the ambitious nature of the DOJ’s proposals, some experts are sceptical about their feasibility. Adam Kovacevich from the Chamber of Progress argues that these remedies could encounter legal challenges and may not withstand the appeals process. While investors appear doubtful that a forced breakup of Google will take place, the situation highlights the increasing scrutiny and pressure on the tech giant within a rapidly changing competitive landscape.

Wimbledon to replace line judges with AI in 2025

The All England Club has announced that Wimbledon will replace line judges with AI technology from 2025. This decision marks the end of a 147-year tradition, as the courtside presence of immaculately dressed line judges has long been a staple of the event. AI technology, already in use at the US Open since 2020, is set to fully automate line calls, leaving the future of more than 300 line judges uncertain.

Many officials have expressed disappointment, with chair umpire Richard Ings calling it a ‘sad but inevitable day’. While the shift to AI offers undeniable precision, there are concerns about the loss of the human element in the sport. Ings highlighted that certain decisions, like not-ups or crowd disruptions, will still require human oversight, even though automated systems will handle line calls.

The move to Electronic Line Calling (ELC) has raised worries about the future of officiating, particularly for smaller tournaments. The cost of implementing AI technology, estimated at £100,000 per court, could deter officials from smaller events that lack the budget. Organisers of Wimbledon acknowledge the importance of tradition but emphasise the advantages of the change.

Despite the transition, some aspects will remain unchanged. Chair umpires will continue to lead matches, but the courts will look and feel different without the line judges who once shared the stage. Wimbledon’s decision follows a similar switch at Queen’s Club and adds to growing concerns about officiating’s future direction.

EU to invest €865 million in digital infrastructure expansion

The European Commission has announced a significant investment in the continent’s digital infrastructure through its second work program under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital, allocating €865 million in funding from 2024 to 2027. That initiative will target large-scale projects promoting the rollout of 5G and gigabit networks in key sectors such as healthcare, transport, logistics, and manufacturing.

By focusing on these industries, the EU aims to drive the integration of advanced technologies to meet increasing digital demands. The program also seeks to expand Europe’s digital backbone by strengthening quantum communication networks and laying new submarine cables to enhance connectivity with third countries.

Additionally, it will develop digital platforms for transport and energy, optimising ICT energy use while minimising environmental impact and ensuring seamless integration with existing European data, cloud, and connectivity infrastructures.

That initiative supports the EU’s ambitious 2030 Digital Decade goals, which aim to provide all citizens and businesses access to 5G and gigabit-speed internet. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for Europe Fit for the Digital Age, emphasised the importance of enhancing connectivity to foster innovation and connect more citizens and businesses.

With a total budget of €2 billion until 2027, the broader CEF Digital program has already funded 65 projects, including 5G Smart Communities and cross-border 5G corridors. It plans to launch a fourth call for project proposals to accelerate digital transformation further.